Adidas Denies Morocco is a Serious World Cup Contender: Ouaddou

(MENAFN - Morocco World News) Rabat - Former Atlas Lion Abdeslam Ouaddou was definitely not impressed by the Adidas design for the special-edition Moroccan national 2018 FIFA World Cup jerseys. Presented Friday in Casablanca, the proposed jersey is white with red and green accents to represent the Moroccan flag and the Royal Football Federation (FRMF) emblem. On his Facebook account, Ouaddou didn't hold back, saying that Adidas 'made fun of Morocco' with their design. 'We [Moroccans] have waited 20 years to don a special outfit [for FIFA]; I have to admit that Adidas didn't take us seriously as a World Cup contender. Designers are more imaginative in Derb Ghallef or Derb Omar [quarters in Casablanca]. Adidas needs to rethink their design while they still have time,' Ouaddou posted. The former footballer isn't the only angry with Adidas. Many Moroccans have voiced that the sportswear brand should have made a greater effort, especially when it comes to something as paramount as the World Cup. Some Moroccan social media users have gone so far as to pledge to boycott Adidas, drawing from the ongoing online boycott campaign protesting the exorbitant prices of the Morocco-based companies Sidi Ali (bottled water), Afriquia (gasoline), and Centrale Laitière (dairy products). Lionsdelatlas, a Moroccan sports media group, contacted Adidas on Twitter about the jersey. Adidas allegedly informed them that the President of FRMF, Fouzi Lekjaa, approved of and accepted the jersey design. Adidas replied to Lionsdeatlas, "Thank you for your contact; we have taken into account your complaint. We realize and develop our models with great care, and the federation of Morocco approved our design.' Adidas added, 'If, however, the model does not suit you, you can always contact the Moroccan Federation to share your comments. We are, of course, at your disposal for any further questions.' "